Antique: An ongoing exhibit at the old provincial capitol is providing the younger generation with a glimpse into the life of Antique governor and educator Vicente Gella. The exhibit, titled 'A Life Given in Service,' opened on Gella's 170th birth anniversary on June 24 and is set to run until August 30.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gella served as the governor of Antique from 1919 to 1922, during which he supervised the construction of the Antique-Iloilo-Capiz Road to enhance economic development. The exhibit showcases Gella's photographs, mementos, and a copy of his correspondence with national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Gella, a friend and classmate of Rizal, studied alongside him at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila from 1877 to 1878 and shared accommodation at Casa Tomasina.

Gella's great-granddaughter, Anna Cecilia Pefianco, shared that he was among those who bid farewell to Rizal on May 3, 1883, when Rizal departed for Spain. After completing his Bachelor of Laws at UST in 1885, Gella returned to Antique and founded one of the province's earliest educational institutions, the Colegio de San Vicente Ferrer. Pictures of this semi-concrete school are also displayed at the exhibit.

The exhibit further includes photographs of Gella with former students, such as Leandro Fullon, a general during the Philippine Revolution; Ramon Occe±a Maza, a representative and governor; and Col. Ruperto Abellon, who also fought in the revolution against Spain. Senator Loren Legarda, during the opening ceremony, paid tribute to her maternal great-granduncle, commending his vision in building roads connecting Antique, Iloilo, and Capiz. "When his work was done, he gave up power on his own terms and left with dignity," Legarda remarked. Gella passed away on April 25, 1926, two months shy of his 70th birthday.